Yokote Igloo Festival – Japan's Winter Masterpiece

The Yokote Igloo Festival lights up the city with pure white igloos. These icy structures shine like lamps in the dark, bringing a warm and cozy feeling, creating the wonderful beauty and freshness of Japanese winter .

1. A few words about the Yokote Snow Igloo Festival

Yokote Snow Igloo Festival shimmers in the white snow (Photo source: Collected)

The Yokote Kamakura Snow Igloo Festival, which has a history of over 450 years, takes place every February 15 and 16 in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. It is a special event where Kamakura snow igloos are built to worship the Shinto Water God. These igloos, which are shaped from huge piles of snow, symbolize respect for nature and a wish for a bountiful harvest. Inside each igloo, people place a small altar with offerings such as sake, mochi, and tangerines and pray for good fortune in the new year.
With a snowy space and hundreds of large and small Kamakura lit by shimmering candlelight, the festival creates a magical scene when night falls, attracting a large number of visitors from all over. The snow huts are about 3 meters high and 4 meters wide, enough to accommodate several people inside, providing a close and warm experience in the middle of winter.

2. Traditional features at the Yokote Kamakura festival

Traditional customs inside Kamakura (Photo source: Collected)

Kamakura snow huts are lit up with bright orange lights amidst the white snow fields. Upon entering this warm space, visitors will be greeted by children in traditional costumes, happily inviting them with the phrase "Haitte tanse" (please come in).

Here, you will make offerings to the Water God altar and enjoy hot amazake drinks with yakimochi grilled rice cakes, bringing a familiar feeling like in fairy tales. The cozy scene by the hibachi charcoal stove, where people gather to chat and warm their hands, creates unforgettable moments.

3. Places to see the sparkling beauty of Kamakura snow house

Mini Kamakuras shimmering on the snowy fields (Photo source: Collected)

The Yokote Kamakura Snow Igloo Festival not only showcases the magical beauty of Japan's winter, but also transports visitors to a magical white snowscape. The festival area stretches from Yokote Station to Yokote Castle, with large and small Kamakura snow igloos scattered throughout the city.
Starting from Yokote Station, visitors can stroll through the streets and admire the Kamakura built next to the old houses. In particular, along the Yokote River, hundreds of mini Kamakura with candlelight create a shimmering "sea of light", illuminating the whole town from dusk to 9pm.

Among the highlights are Komyoji Park and Doro Koen Park, where visitors can enjoy traditional activities and winter specialties. In addition, the Minami Elementary School area also features snow sculptures and mini Kamakura igloos, providing a fun space for children.

Further afield, visitors can head up to Yokote Castle, which has a great observation deck for panoramic views of the city both day and night. The castle is open during the festival, making it a must-see destination for seeing Yokote illuminated in snow and lights.
The Yokote Kamakura Snow Igloo Festival is not only an opportunity to admire the beauty of winter nature, but also an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture in an authentic and emotional way.

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Yokote Snow Festival, and you will clearly feel the peaceful beauty among the sparkling snow huts in the winter night. Enjoy this special moment with Vietravel and discover an emotional journey in Japan !

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-leu-tuyet-yokote-nhat-ban-v15833.aspx